Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators run specialized equipment that processes ingredients and products through heat and drying. They work in food manufacturing facilities, bakeries, tobacco processing plants, and other industrial settings, monitoring machines like roasters, kilns, and vacuum dryers to ensure proper temperature and timing.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Operators start shifts by inspecting equipment and loading materials into roasting, baking, or drying machines. Throughout the day, they monitor temperatures, adjust settings, and watch for equipment issues. They may unload finished products, record production data, and perform routine cleaning and maintenance. Work involves standing for extended periods and responding quickly when machines need attention or adjustments.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to like this work if you prefer practical, hands-on tasks and enjoy working with machinery and equipment. You're detail-oriented and follow procedures carefully, which helps you maintain consistent quality and keep equipment running safely and efficiently.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $50,350 | $77,300 | $77,320 | 30 |
| Maryland | $47,230 | $60,170 | $78,750 | 200 |
| Colorado | $45,970 | $59,590 | $64,970 | 500 |
| Virginia | $41,280 | $59,260 | $84,520 | 270 |
| Alaska | $44,750 | $55,280 | $56,370 | 30 |
| Nevada | $48,570 | $54,950 | $60,620 | 130 |
| Washington | $43,810 | $50,590 | $61,170 | 720 |
| Minnesota | $46,960 | $50,340 | $65,780 | 1,120 |
| Maine | $44,790 | $50,220 | $52,090 | 100 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,140 | $49,660 | $57,120 | 540 |
| New York | $43,570 | $49,020 | $53,030 | 1,370 |
| Wisconsin | $40,140 | $48,560 | $56,100 | 540 |
All 44 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-3091.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.